Narrow 1-0 win over Ghana enough for Colombia to reach last 16

A narrow but largely drama-free 1-0 win over Ghana on Friday was enough for Colombia to book the last spot in the World Cup last 16.

The Colombians will now face Switzerland, who defeated Algeria 2-0 on Thursday, for a chance to reach the quarter-finals and equal their best-ever result at a World Cup.

“The Swiss are like a well-oiled machine. This won’t be easy,” Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo said.

Jhon Arias scored the precious winner in the 14th minute, which was his first goal at the tournament.

Substitute Luis Suarez dazzled down the right and played a cross for Arias, who was unmarked as he found the back of the net.

Suarez was brought on in the eighth minute to replace Jhon Cordoba, who couldn’t continue playing after suffering an injury.

Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi made a superb save to deny Johan Mojica a second for Colombia before the break, while Luis Diaz was on target in the 56th but had his effort ruled out for offside.

Diaz was denied by Zigi from close range two minutes later, while the keeper also stopped Davinson Sanchez in the 81st. His hard work, however, wasn’t enough to rescue Ghana, who couldn’t find an equalizer to keep their hopes alive.

“I think we played a great game. We just need to score a few more goals,” Diaz said.

“We have won absolutely nothing (yet). The good thing and the positive thing is that we’re playing very well, we feel comfortable, we are being a family, we are working as a team and that will work for what is coming.”

Ghana defender Jerome Opoku said: “Sometimes … it doesn’t go your way. It’s always great to get out of your group. Obviously we wanted to go further.”